adj
hoarse
haws
adj
1
Having a rough, strained voice, often from shouting, a sore throat, or overuse.
"After the concert, her voice was hoarse from singing all night."
"He spoke in a hoarse whisper after the long cold."
How to Use Hoarse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes a rough, raspy voice, usually caused by strain or illness.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "horse" — they sound exactly alike but are unrelated in meaning.
Easily confused with
Word Forms
hoarser comparative, hoarsed past tense, hoarses singular, hoarsest superlative
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After the concert, her voice was _____ from singing all night.
Etymology
From Old English hās, related to Old Norse forms with the same meaning.